This week of training camp has stretched me, in every way. Physically I have been pushed to my limits and then taken beyond by the Spirit and grace of Christ Jesus. Emotionally I have been challenged with what next year will be like. Spiritually I have grown, developed, and stand firm in the Lord. I have been pulled entirely out of my comfort zone. I sleep in a sleeping bag with no heat, I take showers out of extremely cold water hose. I eat whatever is prepared for us, usually something to represent a country I will be living in. I have worn some of the same clothes for days. I live out of a duffle bag. I have no electricity and rely on the sun and headlamps to lead my direction. I exercise as the sun comes up and I exercise throughout the day. I am challenged to run when my body and my flesh are physically not able to. I am asked to depend on and rely on my teammates. I brush my teeth using a water bottle. I am getting to know the woods well, especially when I need to take a potty break. When I’m not getting to know the woods well, I share a port-a- potty with 40 other women. I have slept on the floor, I have slept outside. I have heated up my food over a camp fire and I have grocery shopped at the gas station.
I am not who I was before I came here. Things like pleasing people and having the newest outfit are no longer my hearts desires. I desire heat, fruit, a warm bath, anything warm at this point. I desire rest in the Lord. I desire indoor plumbing. I desire the Lord greater. I desire His presence and His Spirit in a new way! I see God’s vision and I love it! I love that not only has He put the desire in my heart to know the poor, hungry, least of these, but He is making sure that I truly feel what they are feeling. Even though I am truly looking forward to civilization back home, I am also looking forward to the next year of truly living the way the Lord Jesus did.
